Grading the States 2009 Report Card: New Jersey

In 2006, NAMI credited former Acting Governor Richard Codey for leadership in improving services for people with serious mental illnesses. Improvements have continued under Governor Jon Corzine; however, all is not rosy in the Garden State. Its mental health care system is still inadequate, and its C grade has not changed from three years ago. Full narrative (PDF).

Health Promotion and Measurement: C 25% of Total GradeBasic measures, such as the number of programs delivering evidence-based practices,
emergency room wait-times, and the quantity of psychiatric beds by setting.

Financing & Core Treatment/Recovery Services: C 45% of Total GradeA variety of financing measures, such as whether Medicaid reimburses providers for all, or part of evidence-based practices; and more.

Consumer & Family Empowerment: B 15% of Total GradeIncludes measures such as consumer and family access to essential information from the
state, promotion of consumer-run programs, and family and peer education and support.

Community Integration and Social Inclusion: D 15% of Total GradeIncludes activities that require collaboration among state mental health agencies and other state agencies and systems.

Innovations

Strong executive and legislative commitment

Evidence-based practices such as ACT and supportive housing

Peer-run services and peer supports

Urgent Needs

Resolve civil rights and safety issues in state hospitals

Invest in services for people with co-occurring disorders

Statewide implementation of jail diversion and community reentry programs

"The hospital system can be somewhat brutal and is in desperate need of overhaul. The Ancora model may be a big waste of resources and is not serving the consumers. [It is a] giant unmanageable warehouse."

"The worst thing is that there is no relief for those who get criminal charges because of their mental illness."

"The system is trying to change to a wellness approach, and it is very open to consumers’ opinions."